Module description
This module examines the way in which cultural stereotypes are used either to promote or undermine dominant ideologies, exploring the processes of myth-making and myth-breaking in the context of cinematic representations of Spanish culture and society from the 1940s to the 1990s. It will take as its case studies both popular film made during and after Franco's dictatorship as well as Art House productions.
Themes
These include film as an ideological vehicle, folkloric representations of Spain, representations of gender and sexuality, the treatment of national stereotypes, and representations of religion and the family.
Assessment details
One 2000 word tutorial essay (40%); one 2000 word final essay (60%).
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:
- a detailed knowledge of key themes relating to the use of stereotypes in Spanish cinema since the 1940s
- the ability to manipulate a conceptual framework for describing the myth-making and myth-breaking processes in cinema
- the ability to employ appropriate autonomous research strategies in order to plan and complete the module assessment
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, plus weekly film screening
Suggested reading list
Films
The module will look at a number of films from the following list:
- Harka (1940)
- Raza (1941)
- La Lola se va a los puertos (1947)
- Un caballero andaluz (1954)
- Bienvenido, Mr Marshall (1952)
- Marcelino, pan y vino (1954)
- El Cristo de los faroles (1957)
- Viridiana (1961)
- Carmen (1983)
- Matador (1986)
- Amantes (1990)
- La Lola se va a los puertos (1993)
Please note that while every effort is made to provide access to subtitled or captioned versions of all films, their availability can vary from year to year, particularly in the case of folkloric film musicals made during the Francoist era.